Modes of therapeutic delivery in synthetic microbiology

Laura M Alexander; Jan-Peter van Pijkeren

doi:10.1016/j.tim.2022.09.003

Modes of therapeutic delivery in synthetic microbiology

Trends Microbiol. 2023 Feb;31(2):197-211. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2022.09.003. Epub 2022 Oct 8.

Authors

Laura M Alexander¹, Jan-Peter van Pijkeren²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Food Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Microbiology Doctoral Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
² Department of Food Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Food Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA. Electronic address: vanpijkeren@wisc.edu.

Abstract

For decades, bacteria have been exploited as vectors for vaccines and therapeutics. However, the bacterial arsenal used has historically been limited to a few strains. Advancements in immunology, combined with the development of genetic tools, have expanded our strategies and capabilities to engineer bacteria using various delivery strategies. Depending on the application, each delivery strategy requires specific considerations, optimization, and safety concerns. Here, we review various modes of therapeutic delivery used to target or vaccinate against a variety of ailments in preclinical models and in clinical trials. We highlight modes of bacteria-derived delivery best suited for different applications. Finally, we discuss current obstacles in bacteria-derived therapies and explore potential improvements of the various modes of therapeutic delivery.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02853604 NCT03234465 NCT03751007.

Keywords: bacterial-derived biotherapeutics; cell lysis; live biotherapeutic products; membrane vesicles and bacterial ghosts; secretion; surface display.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

Bacteria* / genetics

Associated data

ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT02853604
ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT03234465
ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT03751007

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Associated data

Grants and funding